Atomizer

ABSTRACT

An atomizer for the delivery, and in particular, the atomization of a formulation, particularly, a powder. A simple construction and simple intuitive operation are made possible, in particular, by the fact that the atomizer has a mouthpiece with an associated cover, so that opening and/or closing of the cover causes a delivery medium, in particular air, to be taken in and/or put under pressure by a delivery device, a spring store is put under tension and/or a preferably annular reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the formulation is further rotated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an atomizer for delivering aformulation in particular from a reservoir having a plurality ofpreferably annularly arranged receptacles, each of which contains a doseof the formulation.

2. Description of Related Art

The present invention relates, in particular, to the delivery andatomization of a formulation for inhalation or for other medical ortherapeutic purposes. Particularly preferably, the present inventionrelates to the delivery of medical, pharmaceutical and/or therapeuticformulations which in particular contain or consist of at least oneactive substance.

The present invention relates in particular to an inhaler. Duringatomization, an aerosol or a spray cloud is produced having,particularly for inhalation, very fine, solid and/or liquid particles,preferably in the range from 1 to 10 μm.

The formulation is preferably a powder. Particularly preferably, theinvention relates to a powder inhaler. The term “formulation” accordingto the present invention preferably also includes liquids, however,while the term “liquid” is to be understood in a broader sense asincluding inter alia solutions, suspensions, solutions (mixture ofsolution and suspension), dispersions, mixtures thereof or the like.

The specification that follows is directed primarily to the delivery andatomization of a powdered formulation or to a powder inhaler, even ifthe invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be used, inparticular, for other inhalers, atomizers or dispensers.

The present invention relates in particular to an atomizer with apre-metered formulation. In particular the individual doses arecontained in separate receptacles such as chambers, blister pouches,inserts, capsules or the like, and can be individually taken out andatomized.

Basically, there are passive and active atomizers. In the passive type,the formulation is expelled through the air current produced by the useron inhaling or breathing in. In the active type the formulation isexpelled independently of the breathing in during inhaling, and thedelivery can be triggered by the inhalation process—in particular byso-called breath triggering. In particular, a current of a deliverymedium such as air or some other gas is generated by the atomizer orinhaler itself in order to deliver the formulation. For this purpose,the atomizer has a delivery device, such as an air pump or a pressurizedgas container. The advantage of the active type over the passive type isthat, in the active type, a very easily reproducible delivery andatomization of the formulation can be achieved independently of theuser.

European Patent EP 0 950 423 B1 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No.6,179,164 disclose an active dispenser for media, particularly powders,with a compressed air pump, namely a piston pump, integrated in thedispenser. The dispenser has a blister disc with blister pouchescontaining the powder arranged in a circle. To actuate or open theindividual blister pouches the housing part is moved axially.

European Patent EP 1 132 104 B1 and corresponding U.S. Pat. No.6,725,857 disclose an active dispenser for delivering a mediumcontaining at least one pharmaceutical active substance from a blisterstrip. The dispenser has a pump for a fluid, particularly air, forexpelling the medium, an impact spike for creating a fluid connectionbetween the pump and a blister pouch and a lateral actuating devicewhich when actuated both positions a blister pouch in relation to theimpact spike and also brings about the expulsion of the medium. Thedispenser also has a spring which is under tension during a firstactuating step and can be released into a relaxed position during asecond actuating step by releasing a latch, the spring successivelycausing the blister pouch to be positioned in relation to the impactspike, the blister pouch to be opened by the impact spike and air to besupplied to the blister pouch in order to expel the medium.

International Patent Application Publication WO 91/06333 A1 discloses anactive dispenser having a hollow cylindrical reservoir comprising aplurality of axially extending chambers containing powder. By axiallypushing the dispenser together air is compressed in a piston pump and isfinally conveyed through the respective chamber in order to expel therespective dose of powder.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,502 discloses a passive powder inhaler having anannular reservoir, particularly a blister, having a plurality ofreceptacles for powder. The reservoir is rotatably held in the inhalerby a carrier. The carrier can be rotated by means of an axiallyprotruding knob to select the next receptacle and can be moved axiallyin order to pierce the receptacle. However, this does not allow easyoperation. In fact, the user has to hold the knob or carrier in theaxially displaced state during inhalation. After being released, thecarrier with the reservoir returns to its axial starting position awayfrom the piercing elements by the effect of spring force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an atomizerwhich can be operated very simply, particularly intuitively, while beingsimple and inexpensive in its construction, and/or which has a compactstructure, particularly a low overall height.

The problem stated above is solved by an atomizer for delivering aformulation in particular from a reservoir having a plurality ofpreferably annularly arranged receptacles, each of which contains a doseof the formulation, as described in greater detail below.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the covering ofthe mouthpiece of the atomizer is coupled to a delivery device, such asa pump, and/or an energy store, such as a spring store, such thatopening and/or closing the cover actuates the delivery device and/orgenerates energy and this is stored in the energy store. In particular,when the cover is opened, a delivery medium, preferably air, is taken inby the delivery device and/or placed under pressure. Alternatively oradditionally, energy produced by opening and/or closing of the cover ispreferably stored by tensioning the spring store. Thus, a very simpleand in particular intuitive operation of the atomizer is made possible.Furthermore, this enables the construction to be kept particularlysimple and hence also inexpensive. For example, there may be no need tohave a separate actuating element for operating the delivery device orpump and/or for tensioning the spring store or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention which can also beimplemented independently, the atomizer has a gear or transmission forproducing, from the opening and/or closing movement of the cover, apreferably axial movement to open the next receptacle, for displacingand/or advancing the store by one receptacle, for tensioning a springstore, for actuating a delivery device, particularly for taking in air,and/or for actuating a counter or other device of the atomizer. Thisresults in a simple, compact construction, particularly when the gear ortransmission is arranged within an annular arrangement of the reservoiror receptacles.

In a third aspect of the present invention which can also be implementedindependently, the atomizer has a closable chamber for accommodatingmedicaments independently of the reservoir. This results in a simple,compact construction with increased medicament capacity.

Further aspects, features, properties and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description ofpreferred embodiments, with reference to the accompany drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross section of an atomizer according to a firstembodiment in a transportation position;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer of FIG. 1 in anactivated state;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the atomizer in the opened or activatedstate;

FIG. 4 a is a schematic view of a sliding guide of the atomizeraccording to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 b is a schematic view of the open or cutaway atomizer accordingto FIG. 1 with a ratchet mechanism;

FIG. 4 c is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG.1 with a locking device;

FIG. 4 d is a perspective view of a control ring of the locking deviceaccording to FIG. 4 c;

FIG. 4 e is another schematic cross section of the atomizer with thelocking device according to FIG. 4 c;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG. 1after a delivery or atomization;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross section of an atomizer according to a secondembodiment in the transportation position;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG. 6in the activated or opened state;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross section of an atomizer according to a thirdembodiment in the opened or activated state;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an atomizer according to a fourthembodiment in the transportation position;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG. 9in the unlatched state;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG. 9in the activated, pressed-together state;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross section of a proposed atomizer according toa fifth embodiment in the transportation position;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG.12 in the unlatched state;

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG.12 in the activated, pressed-together state;

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross section of an atomizer according to a sixthembodiment in the transportation position;

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG.15 in the unlatched state;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a connecting element of the atomizeraccording to FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is schematic view of another aspect of the atomizer according ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a side view showing a detail of the atomizer according toFIG. 15 with a counter in the transportation position;

FIG. 20 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 19, of the atomizer in theunlatched state;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the atomizer according to FIG. 15 witha timer;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the atomizer according to FIG. 15 witha medicament receptacle;

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross section of a proposed atomizer according toan eighth embodiment in the transportation position;

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG.23 in the opened or activated state;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a transporting device of the atomizeraccording to FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a part of an atomizer according to aninth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a view corresponding to FIG. 26 of the atomizer in anactivated state;

FIG. 28 is a schematic functional representation of an atomizeraccording to a tenth embodiment; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic cross section of the atomizer according to FIG.28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the Figures, the same reference numerals have been used for identicalor similar parts, even if the associated description has not beenrepeated. In particular, the same or corresponding advantages andproperties are obtained thereby.

FIG. 1 shows in schematic section a proposed atomizer 1 according to afirst embodiment in the transportation position. In particular, it is apreferably portable inhaler, particularly preferably, for aerosoltherapy.

The atomizer 1 is designed to deliver and atomize a formulation 2,preferably powder. In particular, the atomizer 1 can be used for aformulation 2 in the sense explained above.

The formulation 2 is preferably pre-metered into individual doses whichcan be delivered one after another by the atomizer 1, particularly forinhalation.

The atomizer 1 has a reservoir 3 or is designed to hold one. Ifnecessary, the reservoir 3 can be inserted in the atomizer 1, andoptionally, replaced for repeated use of the atomizer 1.

The reservoir 3 has a plurality of receptacles 4, each containing onedose of the formulation 2. The receptacles 4 may be, e.g., blisterpockets, but preferably, contain inserts 28 with the respective dose ofthe formulation 2. The reservoir 3 is preferably made of a rigid and/orannular construction. In particular, the reservoir 3 or the receptacles4 form an annular arrangement, the receptacles 4 preferably beingdistributed around the circumference of the reservoir 3.

The atomizer 1 is preferably of the active type. In the embodiment shownby way of example, the atomizer 1, preferably, has a delivery device 5for a delivery medium, particularly air or some other gas, fordelivering the formulation 2. The delivery device 5 is constructed, inparticular, as a pump, particularly preferably, an air pump, or isdesigned in some other way to convey the delivery medium.

In particular, the delivery device 5 has a pump chamber 6 which ispreferably formed, delimited and/or variable by a bellows 7 and/or someother element of the delivery device 5.

Using the delivery device 5 ambient air, in particular, can be taken inas the delivery medium and put under pressure. Using the delivery mediumthe formulation 2, i.e., a dose of the formulation 2 can be expelledfrom a receptacle 4 on actuation or use of the atomizer 1, inparticular, only after it has been triggered accordingly. However, thedelivery device 5 may theoretically also produce, provide and/orpressurize air, other gas or even liquid as the delivery medium in someother way, so as to be able to deliver the formulation 2, particularly,as an aerosol or spray mist with preferably fine particles (solid and/orliquid).

The atomizer 1 preferably has an end piece or mouthpiece 8 fordelivering the formulation 2, in particular, to a user or patient. Fromnow on, only the term “mouthpiece” will be used for convenience;however, use of this term is not intended exclude the use of some otherend piece for administering or delivering the formulation 2,particularly when the atomizer 1 is not used as an inhaler.

A delivery opening of the mouthpiece 8 is optionally provided with agrid 9 or other protective element, particularly in order to be able toprevent damage to the atomizer 1, e.g., of the reservoir 3 orreceptacles 4, caused by external effects or the like, and/or to preventthe expulsion of other parts, larger particles or the like.

The atomizer 1 preferably has a cover 10 associated with the mouthpiece8, which is manually movable, in particular, to enable the mouthpiece 8to be opened and closed. FIG. 1 shows the cover 10 in the closed state,i.e., covering the mouthpiece 8. FIG. 2 shows, in a similar sectionalview, the activated atomizer 1, i.e., the atomizer 1 ready forinhalation, with the cover 10 open, i.e., the mouthpiece 8 freelyaccessible.

The cover 10 is movable, in particular, at right angles to the deliverydirection 111 indicated in FIG. 2, in particular, slidably and/orpivotably.

In the embodiment shown, the cover 10 is preferably pivotable orrotatable about a central axis 12 of the atomizer 1 or the annulararrangement of the reservoir 3 or the receptacles 4 or a rotation axisof the reservoir 3. The atomizer 1 or its housing 13 is preferably atleast substantially rotationally symmetrical, particularly relative tothe axis 12, and/or constructed to be at least substantially flat ordisc-shaped, in particular, substantially in the form of a circulardisc. However, other geometric and constructive solutions andarrangements are also possible.

The cover 10 is preferably movable at a tangent to the housing 13 of theatomizer 1 or along a periphery of the atomizer 1. The cover 10 extends,in particular, substantially peripherally, in particular, along acircumferential section of the atomizer 1.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred construction, particularly a flat, disc-shapedand/or round embodiment of the atomizer 1. It is also apparent that thecover 10 covers or overlaps a circumferential portion of the atomizer 1of, preferably, at least 90°, in particular, substantially about 150° to170°, particularly, both in the peripheral direction and also from oneflat side through the circumferential portion to the other. However,here again, other constructive solutions and configurations are alsopossible.

In the fully opened position shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, in the embodimentshown, the cover 10 is preferably rotated or pivoted through about 150°to 180° relative to the closed transportation position shown in FIG. 1.However, other pivot angles are also possible.

Alternatively, the cover 10 may be formed, for example, in the manner ofa slide and/or shutter and may be guided, mounted or held, for example,by the housing 13 or mouthpiece 8.

The cover 10 is preferably coupled to the delivery device 5 such that,by opening and/or closing, and in particular, simply by opening thecover 10, the delivery device 5 is operated or actuated, and inparticular, the delivery medium (particularly ambient air) is taken inby the delivery device 5. Alternatively or additionally, the deliverymedium can be put under pressure by the opening and/or closing movementof the cover 10. In this case, operation is very simple and intuitive,as the actuation of the delivery device 5 is intuitively effected byopening and/or closing the cover 10, and in particular, there is no needfor any additional actuation of any other actuating element.

The atomizer 1 or delivery device 5, preferably, has an energy store,particularly a spring store, in the form of a spring 14 in theembodiment shown. The cover 10 is preferably coupled to the energy storesuch that energy is produced by opening and/or closing the cover 10 andis stored in the energy store. In particular, opening and/or closingparticularly preferably, just closing—the cover 10 causes energy to bestored by tensioning the spring store or the spring 14.

The energy store or spring store may drive various devices and/or servedifferent purposes and serves, in particular, to drive the deliverydevice 5 or to put the delivery medium under pressure or displace itfrom the pump chamber 6, in order to convey the delivery medium througha receptacle and expel the corresponding dose of the formulation 2 inthe desired manner and then atomize it. The delivery medium ispreferably only put under pressure during or for the purpose ofdelivering the formulation 2. However, in theory, this may also takeplace beforehand, in which case a valve device or the like (not shown)is provided, in particular, to prevent premature delivery of thedelivery medium and the formulation 2 before the actual desired deliveryand atomization.

The energy store is preferably associated with the delivery device 5 orforms a part thereof. Particularly preferably, the energy store orspring store surrounds the delivery device 5 or is arranged orintegrated therein.

In the embodiment shown by way of example, the spring 14 is mounted onan axial extension relative to the direction of the pump or the pumpingaction or behind the pump chamber 6 or the bellows 7. In this case, thespring 14 preferably acts as a compression spring which compresses orpushes together the pump chamber 6 or the bellows 7 or displaces, forexample, a piston (not shown) in order to reduce the size of the pumpchamber 6 or compress the delivery medium contained therein—i.e., put itunder pressure—and thereby bring about the delivery of the deliverymedium.

The delivery device 5 and/or the energy store is or are particularlypreferably, arranged inside the annular arrangement of the reservoir 3or receptacles 4, in particular, thus, at least substantially in thecentre of the housing 13. Preferably, the delivery device 5 and theenergy store are arranged in the region of the axis 12 or around theaxis 12, preferably concentrically thereto.

The arrangement of the delivery device 5 and/or energy store or otherdevices within the annular arrangement of the reservoir 3 or receptacles4 according to the invention also enables the delivery device 5 and/orthe energy store to extend axially beyond the reservoir 3 or receptacles4 or, for example, in the transportation position shown in FIG. 1, to bearranged in an axially offset position from the main or annular plane ofthe reservoir 3.

The arrangement of the delivery device 5 and/or the energy store insidethe annular arrangement of the reservoir 3 or receptacles 4 or otherdevices results in a particularly compact construction and inparticular, a particularly low axial height of the atomizer 1.

The pivot axis of the cover 10 preferably corresponds to the axis 12 ofthe annular arrangement of the reservoir 3 or receptacles 4, thereservoir 3 preferably being rotatable about this axis, as will bedescribed in more detail hereinafter.

The atomizer 1 preferably has a transmission or gear 15, particularlyfor the above-mentioned preferred coupling of the cover 10 to thedelivery device 5 and/or the energy store. Alternatively oradditionally, the transmission, named gear 15 in the following, can alsodrive and/or actuate other devices or perform other functions.

Preferably, the gear 15 is arranged—partly or totally—within the annulararrangement of the reservoir 3 or receptacles 4. This, in turn,contributes to the compact structure of the atomizer 1.

The gear 15 is preferably driven by movement of the cover 10, and inparticular, is coupled directly or indirectly thereto.

Particularly preferably, the gear 15 generates, from the opening and/orclosing movement of the cover 10, an axial movement, particularly withrespect to the annular arrangement and/or the axis 12. Particularlypreferably, the axial movement extends on or along the axis 12 orparallel thereto. The term “axial movement” is to be understood asmeaning that at least one component of the movement generated by thegear 15 on the power takeoff side extends in the axial direction.

The axial movement that can be generated by the gear 15 is used,particularly preferably, for opening the next receptacle 4, fordisplacing and/or advancing the reservoir 3 or receptacles 4, fortensioning the spring store, for actuating the delivery device 5,particularly for taking in air, and/or for actuating another device ofthe atomizer 1, such as a counter. Preferably, the gear 15 has differenttransmission ratios on the power takeoff side for driving differentdevices.

The gear 15 preferably comprises at least one thread, particularly, arotatable threaded sleeve 16 which, particularly preferably, has aninternal thread 17 and/or an external thread 18.

The thread or the threaded sleeve 16 is preferably directly orindirectly coupled or connected to the cover 10 and/or arrangedcoaxially with the pivot axis of the cover 10, or forms the latter.Rotation of the cover 10, in particular, directly causes the threadedsleeve 16 to rotate.

In the embodiment shown, the delivery device 5, and in particular, alsothe energy store can be driven or actuated by the gear 15, preferably,in the axial direction, in particular, via the internal thread 17. Theinternal thread 17 preferably engages with an inner engagement member 19which comprises, in particular, a complementary threaded portion orother projections, engagement surfaces or the like, so that rotation ofthe threaded sleeve 16 causes axial movement of the non-rotatingengagement member 19 associated with the delivery device 5 or the energystore.

In particular, the spring 14 is supported at one end on the engagementmember 19, which preferably forms a corresponding spring seat orabutment, e.g., by means of an end plate or the like, and at the otherend is coupled to the movable end of the bellows 7 or other pumpingelement of the delivery device 5. However, once again, differentconstructional solutions are possible. In particular, the gear 15 orengagement member may also only act directly on the bellows 7 or otherpumping element and in addition are coupled to the spring 14 onlyindirectly or not at all.

Starting from the transportation position shown in FIG. 1, when thecover 10 is opened the engagement member 19 is moved axially on the onehand, i.e., it performs the preferred axial movement while, on the otherhand a preferably interlocking and/or releasable connection between theengagement member 19 and the delivery device 5 and/or the springstore—for example, by means of at least one locking arm 20—transmits theaxial movement and in particular, causes the pump chamber 6 to enlargein the axial direction and preferably take in ambient air, the bellows 7is pulled open or enlarged in the axial direction and/or—particularlywhen the axial end position is reached—a preferably centrally or axiallyarranged actuating element 21 is released and/or moved axially out, asshown in the end position in FIG. 2. The tensioned spring 14 ispreferably moved axially together with the engagement member 19 and anaxial end of the bellows 7.

During subsequent actuation of the actuating element 21, particularly bypressing radially inwards, the delivery is initiated and the formulation2 is atomized from an adjacent receptacle 4. In particular, theconnection between the engagement member 19, on the one hand, and theminimum of one locking arm 20 or the delivery device 5 and/or the energystore, on the other hand, is undone, in particular, by the fact that atleast one engaging element 22 springs the at least one locking arm 20into a non-engaged position (radially inwards in the embodiment shown).The recoil or spring force of the spring store or of the tensionedspring 14 then causes the bellows 7 to be collapsed and the pump chamber6 to be made smaller, as a result of which the delivery medium(particularly ambient air) contained in the pump chamber 6 is put underpressure and displaced, so that the formulation 2 is expelled andatomized in the desired manner, as will be discussed in more detailhereinafter.

Alternatively or in addition to the thread, theoretically some othercontrol cam, ramp, inclined plane or other geared connected may be used,particularly to achieve the sequence of movements describedhereinbefore, a sequence of movements described hereinafter and/or someother sequence of movements.

Preferably, the atomizer 1 has a transporting device 23 to enable thereservoir 3 to be advanced or further rotated preferably stepwise to thenext receptacle 4 or by one receptacle 4, and preferably, a connectingdevice 24 for, in particular, connecting the receptacles 4 singly to thedelivery device 5 and/or in particular, for individually opening thereceptacles 4.

Preferably, the transporting device 23 and/or the connecting device 24is driven or actuated by the opening and/or closing of the cover 10,particularly via the gear 15. Particularly preferably, an axial movementgenerated by the gear 15 is used again.

In the embodiment shown, the actuation of the transporting device 23 andthe actuation of the connecting device 24—i.e., the advancing of thereservoir 3 to the next receptacle 4 and the opening of the nextreceptacle 4 and/or attachment to the delivery device 5—are combined orcoupled. However, these actuations may also be controlled independentlyof one another, or in particular, through separate drives of the gear 15or separate drive chains.

Preferably, combined driving of the transporting device 23 andconnecting device 24 is achieved by means of an external engagementmember 25 which engages with the external thread 18 of the threadedsleeve 16—particularly via a corresponding threaded portion, a slidingsurface or the like. This engagement member 25 is, in particular,non-rotationally connected to the preferably annular reservoir 3 or isformed thereby. For example, the engagement member 25 may form a closedinner ring of the reservoir 3. However, this is not absolutelynecessary. For example, the reservoir 3 may also engage directly withthe gear 15, particularly the external thread 18 of the threaded sleeve16, via corresponding sliding surfaces or the like.

The reservoir 3 is preferably locked at its outer periphery against freerotation with the threaded sleeve 16 or the external thread 18 about theaxis 12, in particular, by a sliding guide formed, for example, incollaboration with the housing 13.

Rotating the threaded sleeve 16 or external thread 18 (or other controlcam) causes axial movement of the non-co-rotating engagement member 25and hence of the reservoir 3. For example, the reservoir 3 with thereceptacles 4 is moved from the axial position shown in FIG. 1 in thetransportation position, during and as a result of the opening of thecover 10—i.e., by means of the gear 15—axially into the position shownin FIG. 2. This axial or lifting movement takes place in the embodimentshown in the opposite direction to the axial movement for actuating thedelivery device 5 (particularly taking in the ambient air) but may alsogo in the same direction.

Only after the actuating element 21 has been actuated—i.e., after thedelivery and atomization of the formulation 2 from a receptacle 4—is thecover 10 closed again. Closing the cover 10 and rotating the threadedsleeve 16 causes the reservoir 3 to perform the opposite axial orlifting movement again. In the course of this axial movement and/orduring the opposing axial movement during the opening of the cover 10,the sliding guide leads to an advancing or further rotation of thereservoir 3 by one receptacle 4, i.e., to the next receptacle 4.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a possible constructional configuration of thesliding guide or of a control groove or control cam 26 preferably formedby the inner wall of the housing 13, in order to carry out the desired,preferably alternating axial movement of the reservoir 3 and thestepwise further rotation of the reservoir 3 by a receptacle 4. Thiscombined movement is achieved, in particular, by the alternately axiallyand diagonally extending portions of the control cam 26, in which aprojection of the reservoir 3 engages radially, for example. However,other radially inner and/or axial mechanisms are also possible.

In the embodiment shown, the outer engagement member 25 and theabove-mentioned sliding guide form the transporting device 23 orcomponents thereof. In particular, the sliding guide or the transportingmechanism is constructed in the manner of a ballpoint pen mechanism(axial movement back and forth leads to stepwise rotation). However,other constructional solutions are also possible which bring about, inparticular, stepwise advancing or further rotation of the reservoir 3 byone receptacle 4—particularly preferably, by the axial movement and/orrotation of a gear component, such as the threaded sleeve 16.

According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4 b, thetransporting device 23 may have, alternatively or in addition to thesliding guide or control cam 26, a ratchet mechanism or locking latchmechanism 27 a, 27 b which allows an, in particular, stepwise advancingor further rotation of the reservoir 3, which is shown open or cut awayin the drawing. The ratchet mechanism 27 a, 27 b is formed, inparticular, between the outer engagement member 25 and the annularreservoir 3, so that these two are rotatable in one direction relativeto one another by corresponding ratchet steps.

The ratchet mechanism 27 has, in the embodiment shown, in particular, aratchet 27 a in which a transporting arm 27 b can engage. Particularlypreferably, radial locking engagement takes place. However, inprinciple, it may also occur in the axial direction. Preferably, theratchet mechanism 27 is formed on the inside and/or encircling thereservoir 3. The transporting arm 27 b can be moved by the deliverydevice 5, particularly the gear 15, particularly preferably, inalternating manner. In the embodiment shown, the transporting arm 27 bis directly or indirectly connected to the threaded sleeve 16,particularly formed on the outer engagement member 25. Preferably, thetransporting arm 27 b is biased elastically—particularly by its inherentelasticity—towards the ratchet 27 a to produce the desired lockingengagement. To obtain the desired reliable stepwise movement of thereservoir 3 by back and forth movement or rotation of the cover 10 orthreaded sleeve 16, particularly preferably, a plurality of transportingarms 27 b are provided.

A preferred construction of the connecting device 24 will now bedescribed in more detail. However, for ease of understanding, apreferred embodiment of the reservoir 3 will first be explained in moredetail.

There are various possibilities for the construction and configurationof the reservoir 3 and receptacles 4. For example, it may be a blisterarrangement, optionally combined with a carrier, or the like. Theindividual receptacles 4 are then formed by blister pouches, forexample.

Particularly preferably, the receptacles 4 are formed by inserts 28which are accommodated in preferably separate, in particular, radiallyextending guides or receiving chambers 29 of the reservoir 3. Inparticular, each insert 28 is preferably radially displaceable ormovable.

In the embodiment shown in particular, the inserts 28, receivingchambers 29, mouthpiece 8 and/or delivery device 11 are alignedradially. However, theoretically, it is also possible to have adifferent alignment, for example, axial.

The receiving chambers 29 are preferably provided on the outer peripheryof the reservoir 3 or the annular arrangement with openings 30 which arepreferably closed, in particular, sealed, or otherwise closed off orcovered, when not in use or in the state as supplied. A correspondingsealing, foil, film or the like is indicated by reference sign 30 inFIG. 1. In the state as supplied, the receiving chambers 29 containingthe inserts 28 are each hermetically sealed, particularly in fluid tightand possibly also gastight manner. The reservoir 3 is made, inparticular, of diffusion proof plastics and/or is optionally providedwith a diffusion proof outer packaging.

Each insert 28 has a storage chamber 31 which contains the dose orformulation 2 of the particular insert 28, and in particular, has beenfilled with the formulation 2 during the manufacture of the reservoir 3or atomizer 1 at the factory end. Adjoining the storage chamber 31 ispreferably a duct or channel 32 in the insert 28 for delivering,atomizing and/or de-agglomerating the formulation 2. The channel 32 may,if required, merge into a nozzle (not shown) or form such a nozzle. Inthe embodiment shown, the inserts 28 thus form with their storagechambers 31 the receptacles 4 for the formulation 2 or the inserts 28are accommodated in the receiving chambers 29 or the receptacles 4formed in or by the reservoir 3.

In order to deliver the formulation 2, the respective receptacle 4 isopened. In the embodiment shown, this is preferably carried out at thedelivery end by moving the respective insert 28 partly out of itsreceiving chamber 29, particularly through the opening 30, and pushing aseal or the like (not shown) preferably radially outwards through it. Inthis way, the receiving chamber 29 or its opening 30 is opened up andthe channel 32 is freed. For example, the sealing foil or the like (notshown) which closes off the respective opening 30 is torn away from theinsert 28 or another closure or covering member that closes off theopening 30 is displaced, opened, pushed out or otherwise removed fromthe insert 28.

The preferred radial displacement of the insert 28 in order to open therespective receiving chamber 29 is carried out in the embodiment shownpreferably by means of the connecting device 24 or the transportingdevice 23, in particular, by having a finger 33 or other actuatingmember of the connecting device 24 penetrate, in particular, axiallyinto the receiving chamber 29 in the region of the inner radial end ofthe respective insert 28, and in particular, by a corresponding slidingsurface (on the finger 33 and/or insert 28) performing the desiredoutward radial movement of the insert 28.

The penetration of the finger 33 is possible, for example, because thereservoir 3 has a sufficiently thin wall or frangible point in theregion of penetration. Alternatively, the reservoir 3 may also comprisean opening or the like which is sealed, covered or provided with aclosure and can be opened or penetrated by the finger 33.

FIG. 1 shows in section, on the left-hand side, a still closed reservoir3 (which has a receiving chamber 29 with an insert 28 which has not yetbeen radially pushed out). FIG. 2 shows, on the right side, a reservoir3 the receiving chamber 29 of which has already been opened on theoutlet side, and with the insert 28 moved radially so as to protrudefrom the opening 30.

The connecting device 24 in this embodiment has a connecting element 34for creating a fluidic connection with the respective receptacle 4 forsupplying the delivery medium, in particular, so that the deliverymedium can be supplied, for example, through a delivery channel 35 asshown by the delivery device 5 via the connecting element 32 of therespective receptacle 4—i.e., the respective insert 28 or its storagechamber 31—for delivery, and in particular, for atomization of therespective dose of formulation.

The fluidic connection is preferably also created by the axial movementof the reservoir 3 relative to the housing 13 or connecting element 34.In particular, the finger 33 first engages axially in the respectivereceiving chamber 29 in order to move the insert 28 which is to be usednext in the radial direction. After this radial movement, as the axialmovement continues, the connecting element 34 engages in the receivingchamber 29 and in the insert 28. For this purpose, the connectingelement 34 is constructed, in particular, as a piercing element, forexample, in the form of a cannula or needle with a corresponding point,so as to assist in particular, with the piercing or other penetration ofthe storage chamber 31 in order to create the desired fluidicconnection. Thus, the fluidic connection for the delivery medium to thestorage chamber 31 is provided and the delivery medium can be suppliedto the storage chamber 31 for the expulsion of the formulation 2.

In the embodiment shown, the outer engagement member 25, the finger 33and the connecting element 34 form the connecting device 24 orcomponents thereof. However, other constructional solutions are possiblefor opening or piercing the receptacles 4 one after another or asnecessary on the supply side and/or on the outlet side and/or forconnecting them to the delivery device 5 or for creating another fluidicconnection, e.g., for the direct supply or intake of ambient air, and inparticular, for moving the relevant insert 28 preferably radially, butoptionally also axially, for opening the respective openings 30 of thereceiving chamber 29 and/or for connecting the storage chamber 31 in theinsert 28 to the supply of delivery medium, in particular, for insertingthe connecting element 34 into the storage chamber 31.

In the embodiment shown, in particular, an axial movement leads to theopening, connecting or piercing through the connecting device connectingdevice 24, preferably at right angles to the direction of delivery 11 orthe direction of conveying of the receptacles 4 or the direction ofmovement or rotation of the reservoir 3. In particular, axial connectionor piercing is carried out in the embodiment shown. However, radial orother connection or piercing is also fundamentally possible, and thiscan also be effected, if necessary, by means of the axial movementprovided or carried out by the gear 15. Theoretically, the direction ofconnection, opening, piercing and/or delivery 11 may run radially.

Particularly preferably, the connecting device 24—in particular, likethe delivery device 5 and/or transporting device 23—may be actuated byopening and/or closing the cover 10 and/or may be actuated by thepreferably common gear 15 or at least one axial movement.

According to another feature explained hereinafter with reference to analternative embodiment, it is also possible to arrange the transportingdevice 23 and/or the connecting device 24 inside the annular arrangementof the reservoir 3 or receptacles 4. This, in turn, contributes to aparticularly compact structure for the atomizer 1, and in particular,helps to minimize the axial height of the atomizer 1.

The reservoir 3 is preferably rigid. The term “rigid” is to be taken tomean that the reservoir 3 or its receiving chambers 29 preferably form asufficiently stable or well-defined holder and possibly guide for theinserts 28. However, other constructional solutions are possible. Forexample, by externally guiding the reservoir 3 or the respectivereceiving chamber 29, it is possible to achieve the desired guiding ofthe insert 28 contained in the receiving chamber 29, even if thereservoir 3 is not of rigid construction, for example. Alternatively oradditionally, the insert 28 may be removed completely from the reservoir3 for connecting the receptacle 4 or when opening the receiving chamber29 or for delivering the respective dose. In this case, in particular,the reservoir 3 may also be, for example, constructed only as a blisterpack or other package.

FIG. 2 shows the atomizer 1 in the activated state. Ambient air issucked into the pump chamber 6. The spring 14 is tensioned. Thereceptacle 4 selected for delivering the next dose has been opened andconnected, the corresponding insert 28 has been pushed radially outwardsand connected to the supply of delivery medium by means of theconnecting element 34, in particular, pierced by the latter.

In the embodiment shown, the actual delivery, and in particular, theatomization of the formulation 2 or dose contained in the piercedreceiving chamber 29 can only take place after a correspondingtriggering or further actuation, for example, after another or furtheractuation of the cover 10 but, in particular, as a result of theactuating element 21, which has preferably only moved axially outwardsin this state, being actuated, particularly pressed axially inwards by auser or patient. This releases the latch or other engagement means, sothat the spring store or the spring 14 can relax. The delivery medium inthe pump chamber 6 is put under pressure and conveyed through thedelivery channel 35 and the connecting element 34 into the adjoiningstorage chamber 31. The delivery medium continues to flow through thechannel 32 and out of the insert 28, the formulation 2 contained in thestorage chamber 31 being expelled at the same time. The resultingaerosol or spray cloud is emitted through the optional grid 9 throughthe mouthpiece 8, so that the user or patient can inhale the formulation2 which has been emitted and in particular, atomized.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic section of the atomizer 1 after inhalation,i.e., with the spring 14 relaxed, the receptacle 4 empty and the cover10 still open.

After the inhalation or after the delivery of the formulation 2, thecover 10 is closed again. This is done, in particular, in the oppositedirection of rotation. Because of the coupling provided—in particular,by means of the gear 15—the inner engagement member 19 is moved backagain in the axial direction into its starting position shown in FIG. 1,while the spring store or the spring 14 is tensioned again and finallythe operative connection or other axial connection between theengagement member 19 and the delivery device 5 or the springstore—particularly via the locking arm 20—is re-established, so that thestarting position shown in FIG. 1 with the spring 14 relaxed and withthe desired retaining connection between the engagement member 19, andparticularly the bellows 7 and/or the spring 14, is recreated. Moreover,the reservoir 3 is moved back into its axial starting position, i.e.,pushed axially back in the opposite direction. In particular, thisreleases the reservoir 3 from the finger 33 and from the connectingelement 34.

The advancing or further rotation of the reservoir 3 by one receptacleis preferably superimposed on the axial movement, and this always takesplace during the up and down movement, i.e., during the opening and/orclosing of the cover 10, when the connecting device 24—particularly thefingers 33 and connecting element 34 thereof—is no longer engaging inthe reservoir 3 but is allowing the desired rotary movement. Therefore,in the embodiment shown, the sliding guide or control cam 26 ispreferably designed so that the desired advance or further rotation ofthe reservoir 3 by one receptacle 4 takes place during only part of theaxial movement.

The measures described above result in a very compact, simple structureof the atomizer 1, particularly with few components.

The proposed atomizer 1 can be operated very simply and intuitively.Essentially, all that is needed to operate it is to open and close thecover 10. All the functions or processes envisaged are triggered orcontrolled thereby or take place automatically. In addition to actuationof the cover 10, when the atomizer 1 is constructed as an activeatomizer 1, it only remains to trigger the actual delivery andatomization after opening the cover 10. This is preferably done byactuating, particularly pressing, the actuating element 21. As theactuating element 21 is preferably only actuatable, axially moved outand/or accessible once the atomizer 1 has been activated, i.e., once thecover 10 has been opened, simple intuitive operation is made possibleand incorrect operation is ruled out.

The actuating element 21 passes, in particular, through an opening inthe cover 10. However, here again, different embodiments are possible.In addition, it is also possible for the actuating element 21 to beaccessible, e.g., revealed by the cover 10, in the activated state ofthe atomizer 1.

After inhalation, the atomizer 1 or the cover 10 can be closed again.Preferably, the cover 10 is secured against closure as long as theactuating element 21 has not been actuated, i.e., in the embodimentshown, is still in the axially extended position, or until theformulation 2 has been delivered from the receptacle 4, which hasalready been opened or connected up or pierced.

FIG. 3 shows the proposed atomizer 1 in the opened or activated state.The cover is thus rotated by about 160° to 180° relative to the closedtransportation position shown in FIG. 1. The cover 10 can preferablyonly be rotated in opposite directions to open and close it. Preferablytherefore a rotation stop 36 is provided which is visible from theoutside in the embodiment shown and protrudes for example, from theperiphery or housing 13. This helps to ensure simple and intuitiveoperation of the atomizer 1, as the user intuitively grasps how far andin which direction the cover 10 has to be opened or closed. Particularlypreferably, the atomizer 1 is constructed so that the rotation stop 36forms a stop both for the cover 10 in the open state and also for thecover 10 in the closed state. Alternatively, separate projections orstops could also be provided for this purpose.

The atomizer 1 or cover 10 also preferably comprises a locking device 37shown in FIG. 4 c (partial cross section of the atomizer 1 in theactivated state) which ensures that the cover 10 can only ever be openedand closed alternately. For this purpose, at least one correspondinglatch 38 or the like is provided, for example, between regions of thecover 10 and housing 13 arranged axially above or behind one another,providing the desired functionality.

Preferably, the atomizer 1 or the locking device 37 comprises a controlring 39 which is shown separately in perspective view in FIG. 4 d. Thecontrol ring 39 is provided with teeth or a latch 38 on both of itsaxial or flat sides. The control ring 39 is rotatably guided, inparticular, in an annular channel or the like in the atomizer 1 or thehousing 37 thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 c.

Engaging in a latch 38 of the control ring 39 is a locking arm 40 a onthe housing side while engaging in the other latch 38 is a locking arm40 b on the cover side, as indicated in FIG. 4 c. The latches 38 andlocking arms 40 a, 40 b are matched to one another such that the cover10 is initially only movable or rotatable in one direction relative tothe housing 13, and hence rotation in the opposite direction isprevented by the locking device 37 or by locking arms 40 a or 40 bacting in the opposite direction.

Preferably, a plurality of locking arms 40 a are provided on the housing13, which engage in the associated latch 38 of the control ring 39 andallow the control ring 39 to rotate only in one direction relative tothe atomizer 1 or housing 13. Accordingly, a number of locking arms 40 bare preferably also arranged on the cover 10 or associated therewith andallow the control ring 39 to rotate in only one direction of rotationrelative to the cover 10.

To ensure that the cover 10 can only be fully opened or closedalternately, the rotation of the control ring 39 relative to the housing13 or to the cover 10, which is in any case only possible in onedirection, can alternately be blocked off and only re-activated orunlocked when the respective end position is reached, i.e., either inthe fully opened or fully closed position. This locking of the controlring 39 relative to the housing 13 or to the cover 10 will be explainedbriefly hereinafter with reference to another cross section of theatomizer 1 according to FIG. 4 e.

On the control ring 39 are formed stops 40 c, as shown in FIG. 4 d,which cooperate with stop arms 40 d as shown in FIG. 4 e. FIG. 4 eshows, by way of example, the locking of the control ring 39 againstrotation relative to the housing 13. This locking is carried out in acorresponding or similar manner between the cover 10 and the controlring 39 and acts during the opposite movement of the cover 10 relativeto the housing 13.

In the above-mentioned locking, at least one stop 40 c strikes againstat least one stop arm 40 d, so that the rotation of the control ring 39relative to the housing 13 which would otherwise be possible in thedirection of rotation which is not blocked off by the locking arm 40 aand its associated latch 38 is also blocked. This blocking by the stoparm 40 d remains until the cover 10 moves into its end position.

When the end position is reached, a control slope or sliding surface 40e formed on the cover 10 leads to a springing of the stop arm 40 d, sothat now the previously blocked stop 40 c is freed and hence the cover10 can be turned back relative to the control ring 39 and also rotatedor moved in the opposite direction. At the same time, in this endposition, another stop 40 c of the control ring 39 (not shown in FIG. 4e), comes to abut on a stop arm 40 d arranged on the cover 10, therebyblocking the relative rotatability of the control ring 39 relative tothe cover 10. As a result, the cover 10 can now only be rotated or movedtogether with the control ring 39 in the opposite direction until theother end position is reached. In the other end position, again, therotation of the control ring 39 relative to the housing 13 is blockedaccordingly, and in turn, the rotatability of the cover 10 is freedrelative to the control ring 39. Accordingly, the cover 10 can only befully opened or closed alternately, so as to ensure simple and intuitiveoperation or actuation and in particular, to rule out incorrectoperation.

The embodiment shown illustrates an active atomizer 1. Theoretically,however, the atomizer 1 may also be constructed as a passive atomizer.In this case, the delivery device 5 and/or the energy store or springstore can be dispensed with. Instead, for example, ambient air can betaken in by the action of breathing during inhalation, and this air isconveyed through the respective receptacle 4—particularly, the receivingchamber 29 and the channel openings 30 of the insert 28 in question—tothe mouthpiece 8, so that the formulation 2 is delivered or expelled andatomized in the desired manner.

If required the spring store may also be used independently of thedelivery device 5, for example, for advancing and/or opening or closingthe receptacles 4, particularly for driving and/or actuating thetransporting device 23 and/or the conveying device 24.

If the atomizer 1 does not have a delivery device 5 and/or an energystore, the actuating element 21 and an actuation required in addition tothe movement of the cover 10—i.e., an additional triggering of theactual release and atomization of the formulation 2—may be omitted.Rather, it is then preferably sufficient to open the cover 10 in orderto activate the atomizer 1, so that the next receptacle 4 is readydirectly with its dose or formulation 2 for inhalation and inhalationcan take place immediately.

The mouthpiece 8 is preferably of fixed construction and/or radiallyaligned and/or preferably formed directly on the housing 13. Thisresults in a simple and compact structure of the atomizer 1 with, inparticular, an at least substantially smooth outer contour. However, themouthpiece 8 may also theoretically be movable, e.g., foldable,slidable, telescopically extendable or movable in some other way.Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece 8 may also be aligned orarranged in a different direction, e.g., diagonally or axially, fordelivering the formulation 2 or the aerosol.

The proposed atomizer 1 preferably additionally comprises a counter (notshown).

The proposed atomizer 1 preferably operates purely mechanically.

The proposed atomizer 1 is preferably made up at least essentially ofonly plastics components or parts or made at least essentially only ofplastics. Only the spring 14 and optionally the grid 13 may be made ofmetal, if necessary.

According to a further feature, the manual actuation of the activedelivery and atomization of the formulation 2, which is carried out inthe first embodiment by pressing the actuating element 21, inparticular, may also be omitted. Instead, an actuation controlled bybreathing in is preferably provided. For example, when a correspondingvacuum is produced in the atomizer 1 by breathing in, the holdingconnection between the inner engagement member 19, on the one hand, andthe biased spring 14 or the bellows 7, another conveying or pumpingelement or the like, on the other hand, can be undone in order to enablethe desired delivery, and particularly, the atomization of theformulation 2 to take place virtually automatically during inhalation,namely by means of the energy stored in the energy store or springstore.

Some additional embodiments of the proposed atomizer 1 will be describedin the following, with only the essential differences or new aspectscompared with the first embodiment being emphasized. The explanationsand remarks given hereinbefore therefore preferably still apply as theystand or in supplementary or similar fashion.

FIGS. 6 & 7 show schematic views of a second embodiment of the proposedatomizer 1. FIG. 6 shows the atomizer 1 in the closed position with thereceptacle 4 not yet pierced. FIG. 7 shows the atomizer 1 in theactivated state with the receptacle 4 opened or pierced.

In the second embodiment, the reservoir 3 is not axially movable, incontrast to the first embodiment. Instead, the connecting device 24 ispreferably axially slidable or movable. In the embodiment shown, thereservoir 3 is held by a rotatable inner part 41. The connecting device24 (at least the connecting element 34 thereof and preferably thefingers 33 thereof) is mounted on a carrier 42, which is axially movablebut not rotatable. The carrier 42 is, in turn, preferably axiallymovable by opening and/or closing the cover 10, particularly by means ofthe gear 15 which is not shown in detail here.

The carrier 42 preferably has axially operating teeth 43, e.g., withsawtooth-shaped sliding surfaces or the like, which cooperate withcomplementary or corresponding mating teeth 44 provided or formed on theinner part 41, and in particular, engage therein such that the axialmovement of the carrier 42 causes a defined, stepwise further rotationof the inner part 41 with the reservoir 3.

In a second embodiment, the carrier 42 fits over or around the innerpart with the reservoir 3 preferably peripherally, and in particular, insuch a manner that the carrier 42 extends from an end face of the innerpart 41 around the outside of the reservoir 43 to the other end face ofthe reservoir 3 and radially back inwards to an inner edge on which thepreferably axial teeth 43 are formed. The carrier 42 has a peripheralopening 45 which, at least in the activated state, lies on an extensionof the particular receptacle 4 which has been opened or pierced, or ofthe radially advanced insert 28, such that the delivery of theformulation 2 is made possible and not obstructed.

In the second embodiment the same operating procedure is used as in thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of theproposed atomizer 1 in the opened, activated state. The third embodimentlargely corresponds to the second embodiment, although the connectingdevice 24 does not engage, as in the second embodiment, from the flatside covered by an annular flange of the inner part 41, but from theopposite flat side into the reservoir 3—particularly with the finger 33and the connecting element 34.

FIG. 9 shows in schematic view a fourth embodiment of the proposedatomizer 1 in the transportation position or locked state. Here, thecover 10 is in the form of a cap. The pivot axis of the cover 10 iseccentrically arranged or formed, particularly in the region of theperiphery or edge of the atomizer 1. In contrast to the previousembodiments, the cover 10 essentially only covers the mouthpiece 8.

In the fourth embodiment, the opening and/or closing of the cover 10 ispreferably not coupled with the other functions of the atomizer 1.

The atomizer 1 has a release mechanism 46 which is constructed, inparticular, as a peripherally movable slide.

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view the atomizer 1 in the unlockedstate.

In the fourth embodiment, the atomizer 1 has two preferably externalhousing parts, particularly an upper housing part 47 and a lower housingpart 48, which are movable axially towards one another. In particular,the housing parts 47, 48 are biased away from one another preferably bya plurality of spring elements 49 so that, in the unlocked andnon-compressed state, the upper housing part 47 is axially raisedrelative to the lower housing part 48, as shown in FIG. 10.

The two housing parts 47, 48 are movable axially together counter to theforce of the spring elements 49. In the axially compressed state, thetwo housing parts 47, 48 are latchable together, in particular. Thislatching can be released by actuating the release mechanism 46.

Starting from the transportation position, after release, the upperhousing part 47 is automatically moved axially away from the lowerhousing part 48 by the spring elements 49. This movement away or liftingmovement causes actuation of the delivery device 5, namely enlargementof the pump chamber 6 and an intake of ambient air. Moreover, the spring14 associated with the delivery device 5, particularly its bellows 7, isaxially tensioned or compressed thereby. The spring elements 21accordingly have a greater spring force than the spring 14.

Moreover, the above-mentioned axial or lifting movement causes theactuating element 41 associated with the spring 14 to be raised axiallyor moved out.

Furthermore, the axial lifting movement causes the reservoir 3 to beaxially moved and separated from the connecting device 24 (not shown indetail).

Next, the two housing parts 47, 48 have to be manually pushed togetheraxially counter to the force of the spring elements 49 by a user. Duringthis axial movement and/or during the preceding lifting movement, thereservoir 3 is further rotated by one receptacle 4. The further rotationor advancing of the reservoir 3 is preferably carried out in turn byslidable controlling of the transporting device 23 or the like. As theprocess continues, the receptacle 4 that has been rotated into thedelivery position is then opened and connected to the conveying device,preferably in turn through the connecting device 24 (not shown here).

FIG. 11 shows the activated state of the atomizer 1 that results afterthe pushing together, with the housing parts 47, 48 latched or lockedtogether, and with the axially protruding actuating element 21.Preferably, it is only when this state is reached that it is possible toactuate the actuating element 21 or only after the cover 10 has beenopened, to allow the delivery and atomization of the formulation of thedose from the opened receptacle 4.

By actuating—particularly axially pressing in—the actuating element 21,the blocking of the spring 14 is released, so that the spring 14 canrelax axially and thereby actuate the delivery device 5, particularlypressurize the air contained in the pump chamber 6, so that this air isconveyed through the attached receptacle 4 and delivers the formulation2 in the desired manner through the mouthpiece 8.

The fourth embodiment also allows very simple intuitive operation.Improper operation is prevented, in particular, by suitable blockingmeans.

FIG. 12 to 14 show a fifth embodiment of the proposed atomizer 1 invarious states corresponding to those shown in FIG. 9 to 11.

The fifth embodiment differs essentially from the fourth embodiment inthat the direction of opening, piercing and/or displacement and/oralignment of the receptacles 4 or inserts 28 extends at leastsubstantially axially or parallel, but not radially relative to the axis12 or the annular arrangement of the reservoir 3 or of the receptacles4. In the embodiment shown, the mouthpiece 8 is accordingly arranged orformed above the reservoir 3 on the side of the atomizer 1 or housing13—in this case, the upper housing part 47, in particular,—while themouthpiece 8 protrudes or projects substantially at right angles orperpendicularly to the flat side of the atomizer 1.

In the fifth embodiment, starting from the transportation position shownin FIG. 12, first of all, the cover 10 has to be opened, and in theembodiment shown, it is preferably pivotable about the tangentiallyextending axis 12. Only when the cover 10 has been opened is the releasemechanism 46 accessible. Otherwise, the procedure is the same as for thefourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is in schematic sectional view of a sixth embodiment of theproposed atomizer 1 in the transportation position. The sixth embodimentresembles the fourth embodiment in particular, in principle. However,unlike the previous embodiments, the sixth embodiment does not have adelivery device 5. Rather, it is a passive atomizer 1.

In the transportation position, the two housing parts 47 and 48 whichcan be moved axially away from each other are latched or lockedtogether, particularly by at least one snap-fit hook 50 or the like. Theat least one snap-fit hook 50 may preferably engage behind an annularshoulder 51 or the like on the other housing part 47, 48, in order toform an interlocking holding connection between the two housing parts47, 48 in the axial direction in the locked position.

In the fourth embodiment, preferably a plurality of spring elements 49is provided. In the sixth embodiment, preferably, only a central springelement 49 is provided which is formed, in particular, by a centralhelical spring which braces the two housing parts 47, 48 apart. When, inthis case, the central release mechanism 46 is actuated, particularly byaxial pressure, the at least one snap-fit hook 50 or the like is sprungout, i.e., the latching of the two housing parts 47, 48 is undone, sothat the two housing parts 47, 48 can move axially away from oneanother, as shown in FIG. 16. As a result of this lifting movement, thereservoir 3 is preferably rotated further by one receptacle 4. Themovement away or axial movement takes place automatically as a result ofthe spring force of the spring element 49. This axial movement ispreferably, in turn, converted by a gear or teeth, sliding guide or thelike (not shown) into the desired, stepwise rotary movement of thereservoir 3. Preferably, the ballpoint pen mechanism mentioned earliercan come into play here, too. At the same time, as a result of themovement away, the connecting element 34 of the connecting device 24 canbe detached from the receptacle 4 which has already been emptied duringthe last delivery.

Then, the two housing parts 47, 48 are pressed manually together counterto the force of the spring element 49. In this way, the spring element49 is tensioned again and the next receptacle 4 is connected or openedby the connecting device 24, particularly, the connecting element 34thereof. Finally, the at least one snap-fit hook 50 automatically locksthe two housing parts 47, 48 together again in the pushed-together endposition, as shown in FIG. 15.

Now, inhalation can take place. In the sixth embodiment, by breathingin, a user or patient produces an air current which is conveyed throughan inlet 52 of the connecting element 34 into the opened or piercedreceptacle 4 and is passed through an outlet 53 of the connectingelement 34 together with the formulation 2 from the receptacle 4 to themouthpiece 8 as schematically indicated by arrows 54 for the connectingelement 34 in FIG. 17.

In the sixth embodiment, the receptacle 4 in question is preferably alsoaxially opened or pierced. For example, the reservoir 3 is constructedhere as a blister ring (not shown) comprising a plurality of blisterpouches or, in particular, as an annular carrier 55 with a plurality ofpreferably axially open recesses 56 for receiving the blister ring (notshown) or blister pouches, as indicated in particular, in the detailshown in FIG. 18. In particular, the reservoir 3 is formed directly bythe lower housing part 48 or is in particular, fixedly connectedthereto, in the embodiment shown.

The sixth embodiment preferably comprises a blocking device 57 whichblocks further actuation, particularly further opening of the atomizer 1or movement of the housing parts 47 and 48 after all the receptacles 4have been used or emptied. The blocking device 57 is, for example,formed like a hook on the reservoir 3, an associated inner part 41 orthe annular carrier 55 and when the blocking position is reached, forexample, engages in an abutment 58 formed on the upper housing part 47so that the two housing parts 47, 48 can no longer be moved axiallyapart. This blocking is preferably irreversible as well. FIG. 18 showsthe housing parts in the position where they are still apart from eachother.

The sixth embodiment, like the others, preferably comprises a counter 59which, in the embodiment shown, preferably comprises a correspondingscale 60 on the reservoir 3, particularly on the outer periphery of thereservoir 3 or lower housing part 48, and a corresponding window 61 inthe housing 13, particularly the upper housing part 47. The relativerotational position of the reservoir 3 corresponds to the number ofreceptacles 4 which have already been used or are still available foruse. Accordingly, the scale 60 can indicate the number of receptacles 4which are still available for use or have already been used. FIG. 19shows the counter 59 in a cut-away side view.

FIG. 20 is a view corresponding to FIG. 19 that shows the atomizer 1 inthe unlocked state, i.e., with the upper housing part 47 axially raised.In this position, the reservoir 3 has preferably been moved axiallyrelative to the window 61 so that the scale 60 is not visible. Instead,preferably a symbol, particularly an arrow or the like, is indicated, toshow the user how to operate it, namely by pressing the two housingparts 47 and 48 together as required. To this extent, the counter servesnot only to count but also has another function and assists with theoperation of the proposed atomizer 1.

The atomizer 1 according to the sixth embodiment may have a central oraxial recess 62 in the housing 13 or upper housing part 47, as indicatedin FIGS. 15 & 16. This recess 62 may be used for additional functions ordevices.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of the atomizer 1 with a clock63 or with a time measuring device. The clock 63 is preferably installedin the recess or otherwise integrated in the atomizer 1 or its housing13. The clock 63 is, in particular, constructed so that a preferablyoptical, acoustic and/or vibratory signal can be emitted to remind theuser to use the atomizer 1.

FIG. 22 shows another alternative embodiment of the atomizer 1 with aclosable chamber or other receptacle for medicaments or the like (notshown). In particular, the recess 62 is constructed to accommodatemedicaments or the like and can be closed off, for example, by a lid 64or other closure.

FIG. 23 shows in schematic section an eighth embodiment of the proposedatomizer 1 in the transportation position, namely with the cover 10closed. The eighth embodiment is a passive atomizer 1, like the one inthe seventh embodiment. The opening and closing and actuating of theatomizer 1 by rotating or pivoting the cover 10 corresponds however, inprinciple, to the first to third embodiments.

In the eighth embodiment, the reservoir 3 and connecting device 24 areconstructed essentially as in the seventh embodiment. The connectingdevice 24 or the connecting element 34 thereof is axially movable by theopening and closing of the cover 10 by means of the gear (not shown indetail). In the transportation position, the connecting device 24 or theconnecting element 34 thereof are moved axially away from the reservoir3.

By opening the cover 10 (pivoting through preferably up to 180°approximately), first of all, the reservoir 3 is advanced or furtherrotated, and as the axial movement continues, the next receptacle 4 isopened by the connecting device 24, particularly pierced or otherwiseattached by the connecting element 34. FIG. 24 shows this activatedstate in schematic section.

When a user or patient breathes in to inhale, a current of air isproduced which is passed through the connecting element 34 through thereceptacle 4 or the storage chamber 31, such as a blister pouch or thelike, and in this way, the formulation 2 contained in the receptacle 4is expelled and delivered through the adjoining mouthpiece 8.

To permit a simple and inexpensive construction, the inlet 52 and outlet53 are preferably formed by a common component, particularly, theone-piece connecting element 34. Furthermore, the connecting element 34preferably also has an outlet channel 65 adjacent to the outlet 53 andwidening out in a funnel shape or other suitable manner, in particular.Thus, there is no need for a mouthpiece 8 in the conventional sense oran extension piece or the like as is often used with inhalers. Rather,it is sufficient to have a housing opening, and if necessary, acorresponding shaping of the housing 13, in order to form a compact,space-saving mouthpiece 8 for a user or patient.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view which illustrates the transporting device23 of the atomizer 1 according to the eighth embodiment. In particular,axial teeth 43 on the reservoir side and axially movable mating teeth 44on the housing side—particularly together with the connecting device24—cooperate so as to achieve the desired stepwise advancing or furtherrotation of the reservoir 3 by one receptacle 4, with each axialmovement of the mating teeth 44 relative to the teeth 43 associated withthe opening of the cover 10. In particular, the ballpoint pen principlementioned previously comes into play again.

However, other constructional solutions are also possible in order toachieve the desired stepwise advancing or further rotation of thereservoir 3 from the movement of the cover 10 that accompanies openingand/or closing, particularly the pivoting movement and/or an axialmovement derived therefrom.

In contrast to the seventh embodiment, in the eighth embodiment, thecounter 59 is preferably arranged on the flat side or axial side of theatomizer 1, particularly with the window 61 being formed in the cover 10and in the housing 13, so that the current status of the counter canpreferably always be read off even when the cover 10 is closed.

In the eighth embodiment too, the reservoir 3 is again preferablyprovided with an annular carrier 55 for holding a blister arrangement,particularly a blister ring or the like. However, basically any desiredtype of reservoir 3—even, in particular, a reservoir 3 with inserts 28for forming the receptacles 4—may be used here.

The eighth embodiment allows particularly easy operation as all that isrequired is to open the cover 10 in order to activate the atomizer 1,i.e., prepare it for atomization or inhalation. Even after atomizationor inhalation, no other additional operations are required. Rather, itis necessary only to close the atomizer 1 or cover 10. When the cover 10is closed the connecting device 24 or its connecting element 34 is movedaxially away from the reservoir 3 or the receptacle 4 which was openedlast, so that the transportation position shown in FIG. 23 is resumed.

FIG. 26 shows a highly schematic rudimentary representation of theconcept of a ninth embodiment of the proposed atomizer 1. The ninthembodiment relates to an active atomizer 1 having a delivery device 5and an energy or spring store which are preferably arranged within theannular arrangement of the reservoir 3 or the receptacles 4, which aremerely indicated by receiving chambers 29 in FIG. 26.

In the ninth embodiment, the delivery device 5 is again preferablyconstructed as a pump and is provided, in particular, with the bellows 7which are preferably movable thereon in a radial direction for pumping,particularly are extendable and collapsible or compressible. The springstore or spring 14 is preferably arranged in this pumping directionbehind the bellows 7, particularly on the side remote from theconnecting device 24.

FIG. 26 shows the spring store or the spring 14 in the biased state withthe bellows 7 extended. In this state, ambient air has already beentaken in by the delivery device 5 or the bellows 7.

The delivery device 5 with the spring store is preferably movable in themanner of a sled. In order to open the receptacle 4 which is to be usednext, the delivery device 5 with the connecting device 24 or theconnecting element 34 is, first of all, advanced radially so that thenext receptacle 4 or the next insert 28 is radially pierced or connectedby the delivery device 5 and moved radially outwards. This state isshown in the schematic representation in FIG. 27. Then, actuation takesplace. By relaxing the spring 14 in the radial direction, the bellows 7is compressed and the air contained therein flows through the connectingelement 34 and the attached receptacle 4—particularly the attachedinsert 28—as a result of which the formulation 2 contained in thereceptacle 4 or in the insert 28 is expelled. Then, the delivery device5 and/or the connecting device 24 can be radially withdrawn again, inparticular, by or radial movement. In addition, the spring 14 is biasedonce again due to the radial movement, wherein the bellows 7 is extendedand the delivery medium, here air, is sucked into the bellows 7. Thespring 14 is secured or latched in the biased position, in particular,to the sled.

With the opposite radial movement, the next receptacle 4 or insert 28can be pierced and, in particular, pushed radially outwardly to open itsrespective sealing. During this radial movement, the spring 24 remainscompressed or tensioned and the bellows 7 remains extended. Thus, theactivated state of the atomizer 1 is achieved.

Preferably, with actuating of the actuating element (not shown), thespring 14 is released to compress the bellows 7, i.e., to actuate thepump, so that the compressed delivery medium, i.e., air, is forcedthrough the insert 28 to deliver or discharge or atomize orde-agglomerate the respective dose of formulation 2 and to generate thedesired spray of the formulation 2.

Part of the radial movement is preferably also used to index or move thereservoir 3 to the next receptacle 4, i.e., to actuate the transportingdevice 23.

The transporting device 23 in the ninth embodiment preferably engagesinternally on the reservoir 3, particularly via a pinion 66 whichpreferably engages in inner teeth 67 of the reservoir 3.

It is noted that the connecting device 24 and the pump 5 preferably forma unit or are interconnected.

The connecting element 34 is connected to the sled and/or pump 5 and/orbellows 7.

In the ninth embodiment, the receptacles 4/receiving chambers 29 formpreferably separate parts that are mounted on the preferably ring-likecarrier 55, in particular, in a form-fit and/or rigid manner. Thereceiving chambers 29 or receptacles 4 are preferably separately orindividually sealed by respective seals and/or preferably at least onits outer circumferential periphery (not shown in FIGS. 26 & 27).

FIG. 28 shows, in a similar very schematic, rudimentary representation,a tenth embodiment of the proposed atomizer 1. The tenth embodiment isrelated to the ninth embodiment, and in particular, is similar to it,most preferably with respect to the arrangement and/or function of thedelivery device 5 and connecting device 24, and therefore, noexplanation of these aspects is required.

FIG. 29 shows the atomizer 1 according to the tenth embodiment inschematic section, in contrast to FIG. 28, with the housing 13 and thepreferably rotatable or pivotable cover 10.

The tenth embodiment allows a pivoting or rotary movement, particularlyof the cover 10, to be converted into a linear and/or radial movement inorder to actuate the delivery device 5 and/or connecting device 24, mostpreferably in order to move the connecting element 34. In particular, asliding and/or automatically geared coupling or control is obtained.

In the embodiment shown, the atomizer 1 has at least one control element68 which is constructed, in particular, in the manner of a disc (cf.FIG. 28). The control element 68 is preferably rotationally coupled tothe cover 10 (in the embodiment shown via an axial engagement 69 asindicated in FIG. 29) or is formed by the cover element 10, for example.

Particularly preferably, the control element 68 forms a sliding guide ora number of sliding guides in order to actuate in particular, both thedelivery device 5 and the connecting device 24 or its connecting element34 in the desired or necessary manner. However, it is theoretically alsopossible to use separate control elements 68, sliding guides and/orother geared connections to control and actuate the delivery device 5,on the one hand, and the connecting device 24 or its connecting element34, on the other hand, and/or for different sections of the movements.

In the embodiment shown, a first control cam or sliding guide 70 isprovided for preferably linear or radial movement of the connectingdevice 24 or of the slide 79 formed by the delivery device 5 and/orconnecting device 24. For this purpose, in particular, a first engagingelement 71 engages in the first sliding guide 70. Preferably, the firstengaging element 71 is rigidly connected to the connecting device 24 orits connecting element 34, directly or indirectly.

The first sliding guide 70 is shown in FIG. 28 as an opening. However,it may also be a recess or groove or the like, in particular, as shownin FIG. 29. The path of the first sliding guide 70 determines the gearedcoupling or the dependency of the linear movement which may also extendcircumferentially and/or radially, on the rotary movement. In theembodiment shown, the first sliding guide 70 comprises a first section72, particularly extending over a circumference, an adjoining second,preferably linear section 73 and/or one which has a radial component,and/or a third section 74 which in particular, again extends over acircumference.

Accordingly, during actuation, i.e., pivoting, of the cover 10 out ofthe position shown in FIGS. 28 & 29 (closed position or transportationposition), first of all, in the course of the first section 72, there isno linear or radial movement of the connecting device 24 or slide 79.Only further along the second section 73 does a linear or radialmovement take place, of the slide 79 or connecting device 24, in theembodiment shown, so that the connecting element 34 comes into contactwith the next receptacle 4, particularly engages in the next receptacle4 or the next insert 28, most preferably produces a fluidic connectionbetween the delivery device 5 or the connecting element 34 and thestorage chamber 31, and optionally, moves the insert 28 through theopening 30, particularly by radially advancing it, in order to open theopening 30. The atomizer 1 assumes the activated position.

During the transition from the closed state to the activated state, thedelivery device 5 or the spring store or the spring 14 is preferablyalready under tension. Therefore, the actuating element 21 can now beactuated, so that the formulation 2 is delivered, particularly bydeflecting a locking arm 20 and thereby releasing the spring 14 or thebellows 7 and compressing the pump chamber 6, as a result of which, theformulation 2 is expelled or delivered and in particular, atomized bythe delivery medium in the desired manner, as explained previously.

In the embodiment shown, the cover 10 or the control element 68preferably serves simultaneously to actuate the delivery device 5,particularly to bias the spring store or the spring 14. The controlelement 68 comprises, for this purpose, a second control cam or slidingguide 75, with which a second engaging element 76 cooperates, inparticular which, in the embodiment shown, is associated with thedelivery device 5 or spring store or spring 14, particularly a radiallyor linearly movable abutment 77 of the spring 14, or is firmly connectedthereto, either directly or indirectly.

Particularly preferably, the abutment 77 is guided slidably or in themanner of a sled on the delivery device 5 or on the slide 79, which inturn is slidable in the manner of a sled in the direction of movement—inthis case the radial direction—and in particular, holds or carries theconnecting device 24 or the connecting element 34 thereof.

FIG. 29 shows the spring 14 in the biased position (in this case, thecompressed state). The abutment 77 is held in the biased position bymeans of at least the locking arm 20. The second sliding guide 75 ispreferably constructed in the embodiment shown such that in the closedposition or transportation position the spring store or spring 14 issecured against unintentional relaxation, in particular, by a shoulder78 which blocks radial movement of the second engagement 76 in thisposition.

When the actuating element 21 is actuated, the locking arm 20 isdeflected out or the locking engagement is undone and the spring storeor spring 14 is relaxed or the delivery device 5 is triggered. Then, thespring 14 compresses the bellows 7 or the pump chamber 6 in the mannerdescribed previously—in the embodiment shown—in linear fashion or in theradial direction. Accordingly, the formulation 2 (not shown in FIGS. 28& 29) is then delivered, and in particular, atomized from the connectedreceptacle 4 or the connected insert 28, as already explained withreference to the other embodiments.

During the relaxation, the second engaging element 76 moves, inparticular, towards the center of the atomizer 1 or control element 68or towards the rotation axis of the cover 10, and optionally beyond. Thesecond sliding guide 75 is correspondingly freely cut to allow thismovement. In the embodiment shown, this movement extends essentiallyalong a radial section 80 of the second sliding guide 75.

In the embodiment shown, particularly during the closing or moving backof the cover 10, the control element 68 is turned back or the springstore or spring 14 is put under tension again.

As the control element 68 is moved back or turned back from the positionin the activated state (preferably rotated through 90° to 180° relativeto the position in FIGS. 28 & 29), the abutment 77 is held back via thesecond engaging element 76 over a certain section of the opposing radialmovement of the slide 79 or first engaging element 71 by a retainingsection 81 of the second sliding guide 75, so that in this section ofthe movement the spring store or spring 14 is biased again and thebellows 7 is again extended, in particular, until latching takes placeby means of the locking arm 20. During this movement, the connectingelement 34 is preferably at least partly withdrawn at the same time fromthe attached receptacle 4 or the attached insert 28.

In the course of the further linear or radial movement, the deliverydevice 5, connecting device 24, connecting element 34 and the slide 79together with the biased spring 14 are moved back into the startingposition shown in FIGS. 28 & 29.

The sequence of movements described above is carried out in theembodiment shown particularly by closing the cover 10 and, inassociation therewith, turning back the control element 68.

FIG. 29, in turn, shows the preferably annular reservoir 3 in purelyschematic form. In connection with this, reference may be made, inparticular, to the remarks relating to the other embodiments.

During the opening movement and/or closing movement of the cover 10 orthe rotation of the control element 68, the transporting device 23 notshown relative to the tenth embodiment can preferably be actuated inorder to advance the reservoir 3 to the next receptacle 4. This is done,in particular, by means of a corresponding or suitable geared couplingor the like. For example, axial displacement of the reservoir 3 may becarried out for this purpose, as explained hereinbefore, the advancebeing carried out in the circumferential direction, or in particular, bymeans of a control cam 26 or the like preferably on the housing side. Inparticular, or alternatively, a geared coupling, particularly by meansof a thread, may be used as in the other embodiments.

Individual features and aspects of the individual embodiments may alsobe combined with one another as desired or used in other constructionsof atomizers, inhalers, dispensers or the like.

In the present invention the term “atomizer” is preferably to beinterpreted very broadly so as to include other delivery devices,dispensers or the like, while the formulation 2 or other medium or fluidneed only be atomized if required and may optionally also be deliveredin a different form.

Some preferred ingredients and/or compositions of the preferablymedicinal formulation 2 are listed below. As already mentioned, theyare, in particular, powders or liquids in the broadest sense.Particularly preferably, the formulation 2 contains the following:

The compounds listed below may be used in the device according to theinvention on their own or in combination. In the compounds mentionedbelow, W is a pharmacologically active substance and is selected (forexample) from among the betamimetics, anticholinergics, corticosteroids,PDE4-inhibitors, LTD4-antagonists, EGFR-inhibitors, dopamine agonists,H1-antihistamines, PAF-antagonists and PI3-kinase inhibitors. Moreover,double or triple combinations of W may be combined and used in thedevice according to the invention. Combinations of W might be, forexample:

-   -   W denotes a betamimetic, combined with an anticholinergic,        corticosteroid, PDE4-inhibitor, EGFR-inhibitor or        LTD4-antagonist,    -   W denotes an anticholinergic, combined with a betamimetic,        corticosteroid, PDE4-inhibitor, EGFR-inhibitor or        LTD4-antagonist,

W denotes a corticosteroid, combined with a PDE4-inhibitor,EGFR-inhibitor or LTD4-antagonist,

-   -   W denotes a PDE4-inhibitor, combined with an EGFR-inhibitor or        LTD4-antagonist    -   W denotes an EGFR-inhibitor, combined with an LTD4-antagonist.4

The compounds used as betamimetics are preferably compounds selectedfrom among albuterol, arformoterol, bambuterol, bitolterol, broxaterol,carbuterol, clenbuterol, fenoterol, formoterol, hexoprenaline, ibuterol,isoetharine, isoprenaline, levosalbutamol, mabuterol, meluadrine,metaproterenol, orciprenaline, pirbuterol, procaterol, reproterol,rimiterol, ritodrine, salmefamol, salmeterol, soterenol, sulphonterol,terbutaline, tiaramide, tolubuterol, zinterol, CHF-1035, HOKU-81,KUL-1248 and

-   3-(4-{6-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-ethylamino]-hexyloxy}-butyl)-benzyl-sulphonamide-   5-[2-(5.6-diethyl-indan-2-ylamino)-1-hydroxy-ethyl]-8-hydroxy-1H-quinolin-2-one-   4-hydroxy-7-[2-{[2-{[3-(2-phenylethoxy)propyl]sulphonyl}ethyl]-amino}ethyl]-2(3H)-benzothiazolone-   1-(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-[4-(1-benzimidazolyl)-2-methyl-2-butylamino]ethanol-   1-[3-(4-methoxybenzyl-amino)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-[4-(1-benzimidazolyl)-2-methyl-2-butylamino]ethanol-   1-[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-2-methyl-2-propylamino]ethanol-   1-[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propylamino]ethanol-   1-[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-[3-(4-n-butyloxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propylamino]ethanol-   1-[2H-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-4H-1,4-benzoxazin-8-yl]-2-{4-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-2-butylamino}ethanol-   5-hydroxy-8-(1-hydroxy-2-isopropylaminobutyl)-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3-(4H)-one-   1-(4-amino-3-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-tert.-butylamino)ethanol-   6-hydroxy-8-{1-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-ethyl}-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   6-hydroxy-8-{1-hydroxy-2-[2-(ethyl    4-phenoxy-acetate)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-ethyl}-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   6-hydroxy-8-{1-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-phenoxy-acetic    acid)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-ethyl}-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   8-{2-[1,1-dimethyl-2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-ethylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-6-hydroxy-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   6-hydroxy-8-{1-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-ethyl}-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   6-hydroxy-8-{1-hydroxy-2-[2-(4-isopropyl-phenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-ethyl}-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   8-{2-[2-(4-ethyl-phenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-6-hydroxy-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   8-{2-[2-(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-6-hydroxy-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   4-(4-{2-[2-hydroxy-2-(6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-8-yl)-ethylamino]-2-methyl-propyl}-phenoxy)-butyric    acid-   8-{2-[2-(3,4-difluoro-phenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-ethylamino]-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-6-hydroxy-4H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-3-one-   1-(4-ethoxy-carbonylamino-3-cyano-5-fluorophenyl)-2-(tert-butylamino)ethanol-   2-hydroxy-5-(1-hydroxy-2-{2-[4-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-ethylamino)-phenyl]-ethylamino}-ethyl)-benzaldehyde-   N-[2-hydroxy-5-(1-hydroxy-2-{2-[4-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-ethylamino)-phenyl]-ethylamino}-ethyl)-phenyl]-formamide-   8-hydroxy-5-(1-hydroxy-2-{2-[4-(6-methoxy-biphenyl-3-ylamino)-phenyl]-ethylamino}-ethyl)-1H-quinolin-2-one-   8-hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-(6-phenethylamino-hexylamino)-ethyl]-1H-quinolin-2-one-   5-[2-(2-{4-[4-(2-amino-2-methyl-propoxy)-phenylamino]-phenyl}-ethylamino)-1-hydroxy-ethyl]-8-hydroxy-1H-quinolin-2-one-   [3-(4-{6-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-ethylamino]-hexyloxy}-butyl)-5-methyl-phenyl]-urea-   4-(2-{6-[2-(2,6-dichloro-benzyloxy)-ethoxy]-hexylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-phenol-   3-(4-{6-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-ethylamino]-hexyloxy}-butyl)-benzylsulphonamide-   3-(3-{7-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-ethylamino]-heptyloxy}-propyl)-benzylsulphonamide-   4-(2-{6-[4-(3-cyclopentanesulphonyl-phenyl)-butoxy]-hexylamino}-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-phenol-   N-Adamantan-2-yl-2-(3-{2-[2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-ethylamino]-propyl}-phenyl)-acetamide    Optionally, in the form of the racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers    thereof and optionally in the form of the pharmacologically    acceptable acid addition salts, solvates or hydrates thereof.    According to the invention, the acid addition salts of the    betamimetics are preferably selected from among the hydrochloride,    hydrobromide, hydroxide, hydrosulphate, hydrophosphate,    hydromethanesulphonate, hydronitrate, hydromaleate, hydroacetate,    hydrocitrate, hydrofumarate, hydrotartrate, hydroxalate,    hydrosuccinate, hydrobenzoate and hydro-p-toluenesulphonate.

The anticholinergics used are preferably compounds selected from amongthe tiotropium salts, preferably the bromide salt, oxitropium salts,preferably the bromide salt, flutropium salts, preferably the bromidesalt, ipratropium salts, preferably the bromide salt, glycopyrroniumsalts, preferably the bromide salt, trospium salts, preferably thechloride salt, tolterodine. In the above-mentioned salts the cations arethe pharmacologically active constituents. As anions the above-mentionedsalts may preferably contain the chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate,phosphate, methanesulphonate, nitrate, maleate, acetate, citrate,fumarate, tartrate, oxalate, succinate, benzoate or p-toluenesulphonate,while chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate, methanesulphonate orp-toluenesulphonate are preferred as counter-ions. Of all the salts, thechlorides, bromides, iodides and methanesulphonates are particularlypreferred.

Other preferred anticholinergics are selected from among the salts offormula

wherein X⁻ denotes an anion with a single negative charge, preferably ananion selected from among the fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide,sulphate, phosphate, methanesulphonate, nitrate, maleate, acetate,citrate, fumarate, tartrate, oxalate, succinate, benzoate andp-toluenesulphonate, preferably an anion with a single negative charge,particularly preferably, an anion selected from among the fluoride,chloride, bromide, methanesulphonate and p-toluenesulphonate,particularly preferably, bromide, optionally in the form of theracemates, enantiomers or hydrates thereof. Of particular importance arethose pharmaceutical combinations which contain the enantiomers offormula AC-1-en AC-1

wherein X^(—) may have the above-mentioned meanings. Other preferredanticholinergics are selected from the salts of formula AC-2

wherein R denotes either methyl or ethyl and wherein X⁻ may have theabove-mentioned meanings. In an alternative embodiment the compound offormula AC-2 may also be present in the form of the free base AC-2-base.

Other specified compounds are:

-   tropenol 2,2-diphenylpropionate methobromide,-   scopine 2,2-diphenylpropionate methobromide,-   scopine 2-fluoro-2,2-diphenylacetate methobromide,-   tropenol 2-fluoro-2,2-diphenylacetate methobromide;-   tropenol 3,3′,4,4′-tetrafluorobenzilate methobromide,-   scopine 3,3′,4,4′-tetrafluorobenzilate methobromide,-   tropenol 4,4′-difluorobenzilate methobromide,-   scopine 4,4′-difluorobenzilate methobromide,-   tropenol 3,3′-difluorobenzilate methobromide,-   scopine 3,3′-difluorobenzilate methobromide;-   tropenol 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   tropenol 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   scopine 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   scopine 9-fluoro-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   tropenol 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   scopine 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   cyclopropyltropine benzoate methobromide;-   cyclopropyltropine 2,2-diphenylpropionate methobromide;-   cyclopropyltropine 9-hydroxy-xanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   cyclopropyltropine 9-methyl-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   cyclopropyltropine 9-methyl-xanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   cyclopropyltropine 9-hydroxy-fluorene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   cyclopropyltropine methyl 4,4′-difluorobenzilate methobromide.-   tropenol 9-hydroxy-xanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   scopine 9-hydroxy-xanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   tropenol 9-methyl-xanthene-9-carboxylate-methobromide;-   scopine 9-methyl-xanthene-9-carboxylate-methobromide;-   tropenol 9-ethyl-xanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   tropenol 9-difluoromethyl-xanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide;-   scopine 9-hydroxymethyl-xanthene-9-carboxylate methobromide,

The above-mentioned compounds may also be used as salts within the scopeof the present invention, wherein instead of the methobromide the saltsmetho-X are used,

wherein X may have the meanings given hereinbefore for X⁻.

As corticosteroids, it is preferable to use compounds selected fromamong beclomethasone, betamethasone, budesonide, butixocort,ciclesonide, deflazacort, dexamethasone, etiprednol, flunisolide,fluticasone, loteprednol, mometasone, prednisolone, prednisone,rofleponide, triamcinolone, RPR-106541, NS-126, ST-26 and

-   (S)-fluoromethyl    6,9-difluoro-17-[(2-furanylcarbonyl)oxy]-11-hydroxy-16-methyl-3-oxo-androsta-1,4-diene-17-carbothionate-   (S)-(2-oxo-tetrahydro-furan-3S-yl)6,9-difluoro-11-hydroxy-16-methyl-3-oxo-17-propionyloxy-androsta-1,4-diene-17-carbothionate,-   cyanomethyl    6α,9α-difluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxo-17α-(2,2,3,3-tertamethylcyclopropylcarbonyl)oxy-androsta-1,4-diene-17β-carboxylate    optionally, in the form of the racemates, enantiomers or    diastereomers thereof and optionally in the form of the salts and    derivatives thereof, the solvates and/or hydrates thereof. Any    reference to steroids includes a reference to any salts or    derivatives, hydrates or solvates thereof which may exist. Examples    of possible salts and derivatives of the steroids may be: alkali    metal salts, such as for example, sodium or potassium salts,    sulphobenzoates, phosphates, isonicotinates, acetates,    dichloroacetates, propionates, dihydrogen phosphates, palmitates,    pivalates or furoates. PDE4-inhibitors which may be used are    preferably compounds selected from among enprofyllin, theophyllin,    roflumilast, ariflo (cilomilast), tofimilast, pumafentrin,    lirimilast, arofyllin, atizoram, D-4418, Bay-198004, BY343,    CP-325.366, D-4396 (Sch-351591), AWD-12-281 (GW-842470), NCS-613,    CDP-840, D-4418, PD-168787, T-440, T-2585, V-11294A, Cl-1018,    CDC-801, CDC-3052, D-22888, YM-58997, Z-15370 and-   N-(3,5-dichloro-1-oxo-pyridin-4-yl)-4-difluoromethoxy-3-cyclopropylmethoxybenzamide-   (−)_(p)-[(4aR*,    10bS*)-9-ethoxy-1,2,3,4,4a,10b-hexahydro-8-methoxy-2-methylbenzo[s][1,6]naphthyridin-6-yl]-N,N-diisopropylbenzamide-   (R)-(+)-1-(4-bromobenzyl)-4-[(3-cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pyrrolidone-   3-(cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-N′-[N-2-cyano-S-methyl-isothioureido]benzyl)-2-pyrrolidone-   cis[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic    acid]2-carbomethoxy-4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxy-phenyl)cyclohexan-1-one-   cis[4-cyano-4-(3-cyclopropylmethoxy-4-difluoromethoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-ol](R)-(+)-ethyl[4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrrolidin-2-ylidene]acetate-   (S)-(−)-ethyl[4-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrrolidin-2-ylidene]acetate-   9-cyclopentyl-5,6-dihydro-7-ethyl-3-(2-thienyl)-9H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine-   9-cyclopentyl-5,6-dihydro-7-ethyl-3-(tert-butyl)-9H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine    optionally, in the form of the racemates, enantiomers or    diastereomers thereof and optionally in the form of the    pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, the    solvates and/or hydrates thereof. According to the invention the    acid addition salts of the betamimetics are preferably selected from    among the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydriodide, hydrosulphate,    hydrophosphate, hydromethanesulphonate, hydronitrate, hydromaleate,    hydroacetate, hydrocitrate, hydrofumarate, hydrotartrate,    hydroxalate, hydrosuccinate, hydrobenzoate and    hydro-p-toluenesulphonate.

The LTD4-antagonists used are preferably compounds selected from amongmontelukast, pranlukast, zafirlukast, MCC-847 (ZD-3523), MN-001,MEN-91507 (LM-1507), VUF-5078, VUF-K-8707, L-733321 and

-   1-((((R)-(3-(2-(6,7-difluoro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl)phenyl)-3-(2-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl)phenyl)thio)methylcyclopropane-acetic    acid,-   1-(((1(R)-3(3-(2-(2,3-dichlorothieno[3,2-b]pyridin-5-yI)-(E)-ethenyl)phenyl)-3-(2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)phenyl)propyl)thio)methyl)cyclopropaneacetic    acid-   [2-[[2-(4-tert-butyl-2-thiazolyl)-5-benzofuranyl]oxymethyl]phenyl]acetic    acid    optionally, in the form of the racemates, enantiomers or    diastereomers thereof and optionally in the form of the    pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts, solvates and/or    hydrates thereof. According to the invention the acid addition salts    of the betamimetics are preferably selected from among the    hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, hydrosulphate,    hydrophosphate, hydromethanesulphonate, hydronitrate, hydromaleate,    hydroacetate, hydrocitrate, hydrofumarate, hydrotartrate,    hydroxalate, hydrosuccinate, hydrobenzoate and    hydro-p-toluenesulphonate. By salts or derivatives which the    LTD4-antagonists may optionally be capable of forming are meant, for    example: alkali metal salts, such as for example, sodium or    potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts, sulphobenzoates,    phosphates, isonicotinates, acetates, propionates, dihydrogen    phosphates, palmitates, pivalates or furoates.

EGFR-inhibitors which may be used are preferably compounds selected fromamong cetuximab, trastuzumab, ABX-EGF, Mab ICR-62 and

-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]-amino}-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-diethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(R)-(1-phenyl-ethyl)amino]-6-{[4-(morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]-amino}-7-cyclopentyloxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{[4-((R)-6-methyl-2-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{[4-((R)-6-methyl-2-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-[(S)-(tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{[4-((R)-2-methoxymethyl-6-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[2-((S)-6-methyl-2-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-({4-[N-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-N-methyl-amino]-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl}amino)-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-cyclopentyloxy-quinazoline-   4-[(R)-(1-phenyl-ethyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-to-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-amino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(R)-(1-phenyl-ethyl)amino]-6-({4-[N-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-N-ethyl-amino]-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl}amino)-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(R)-(1-phenyl-ethyl)amino]-6-({4-[N-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-N-methyl-amino]-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl}amino)-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(R)-(1-phenyl-ethyl)amino]-6-({4-[N-(tetrahydropyran-4-yl)-N-methyl-amino]-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl}amino)-7-cyclopropylmethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-((R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yloxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-((S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yloxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-({4-[N-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-N-methyl-amino]-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl}amino)-7-cyclopentyloxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N-cyclopropyl-N-methyl-amino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-cyclopentyloxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-[(R)-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-[(S)-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6,7-to-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-7-[3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyloxy]-6-[(vinyl-carbonyl)amino]-quinazoline-   4-[(R)-(1-phenyl-ethyl)amino]-6-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-   3-cyano-4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-ethoxy-quinoline-   4-{[3-chloro-4-(3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-phenyl]amino}-6-(5-{[(2-methanesulphonyl-ethyl)amino]methyl}-furan-2-yl)quinazoline-   4-[(R)-(1-phenyl-ethyl)amino]-6-{[4-((R)-6-methyl-2-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]-amino}-7-[(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-({4-[N,N-to-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-amino]-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl}amino)-7-[(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-6-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-6-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-7-[(R)-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-7-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-6-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-6-[(S)-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{2-[4-(2-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-piperidin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[1-(tert.-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(trans-4-amino-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(trans-4-methanesulphonylamino-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(tetrahydropyran-3-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(morpholin-4-yl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(methoxymethyl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(piperidin-3-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[1-(2-acetylamino-ethyl)-piperidin-4-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(tetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)-7-ethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-((S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yloxy)-7-hydroxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(tetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)-7-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{trans-4-[(dimethylamino)sulphonylamino]-cyclohexan-1-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{trans-4-[(morpholin-4-yl)carbonylamino]-cyclohexan-1-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{trans-4-[(morpholin-4-yl)sulphonylamino]-cyclohexan-1-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(tetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)-7-(2-acetylamino-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(tetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)-7-(2-methanesulphonylamino-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-aminocarbonylmethyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(cis-4-{N—[(tetrahydropyran-4-yl)carbonyl]-N-methyl-amino}-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(cis-4-{N—[(morpholin-4-yl)carbonyl]-N-methyl-amino}-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(cis-4-{N—[(morpholin-4-yl)sulphonyl]-N-methyl-amino}-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(trans-4-ethanesulphonylamino-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-methanesulphonyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-ethoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-methanesulphonyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[1-(2-methoxy-acetyl)-piperidin-4-yloxy]-7-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(cis-4-acetylamino-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-[1-(tert.-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperidin-4-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-(tetrahydropyran-4-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(cis-4-{N—[(piperidin-1-yl)carbonyl]-N-methyl-amino}-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(cis-4-{N-[(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)carbonyl]-N-methyl-amino}-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{cis-4-[(morpholin-4-yl)carbonylamino]-cyclohexan-1-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-f{1-[(morpholin-4-yl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-acetyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-methanesulphonyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-isopropyloxycarbonyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(cis-4-methylamino-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{cis-4-[N-(2-methoxy-acetyl)-N-methyl-amino]-cyclohexan-1-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-[1-(2-methoxy-acetyl)-piperidin-4-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-ethynyl-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(morpholin-4-yl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(cis-2,6-dimethyl-morpholin-4-yl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(2-methyl-morpholin-4-yl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(S,S)-(2-oxa-5-aza-bicyclo[2,2,1]hept-5-yl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(N-methyl-N2-methoxyethyl-amino)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-ethyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(2-methoxyethyl)carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-{1-[(3-methoxypropyl-amino)-carbonyl]-piperidin-4-yloxy}-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[cis-4-(N-methanesulphonyl-N-methyl-amino)-cyclohexan-1-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[cis-4-(N-acetyl-N-methyl-amino)-cyclohexan-1-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(trans-4-methylamino-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[trans-4-(N-methanesulphonyl-N-methyl-amino)-cyclohexan-1-yloxy]-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(trans-4-dimethylamino-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(trans-4-{N—[(morpholin-4-yl)carbonyl]-N-methyl-amino}-cyclohexan-1-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-6-oxo-morpholin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-7-[(S)-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methoxy]-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-methanesulphonyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline-   4-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)amino]-6-(1-cyano-piperidin-4-yloxy)-7-methoxy-quinazoline    optionally, in the form of the racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers    thereof and optionally in the form of the pharmacologically    acceptable acid addition salts, solvates or hydrates thereof.    According to the invention the acid addition salts of the    betamimetics are preferably selected from among the hydrochloride,    hydrobromide, hydriodide, hydrosulphate, hydrophosphate,    hydromethanesulphonate, hydronitrate, hydromaleate, hydroacetate,    hydrocitrate, hydrofumarate, hydrotartrate, hydroxalate,    hydrosuccinate, hydrobenzoate and hydro-p-toluenesulphonate.

The dopamine agonists used are preferably compounds selected from amongbromocriptin, cabergoline, alpha-dihydroergocryptine, lisuride,pergolide, pramipexol, roxindol, ropinirol, talipexol, tergurid andviozan, optionally in the form of the racemates, enantiomers,diastereomers thereof and optionally in the form of thepharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts, solvates or hydratesthereof. According to the invention the acid addition salts of thebetamimetics are preferably selected from among the hydrochloride,hydrobromide, hydriodide, hydrosulphate, hydrophosphate,hydromethanesulphonate, hydronitrate, hydromaleate, hydroacetate,hydrocitrate, hydrofumarate, hydrotartrate, hydrooxalate,hydrosuccinate, hydrobenzoate and hydro-p-toluenesulphonate.

H1-Antihistamines which may be used are preferably compounds selectedfrom among epinastine, cetirizine, azelastine, fexofenadine,levocabastine, loratadine, mizolastine, ketotifen, emedastine,dimetindene, clemastine, bamipine, cexchlorpheniramine, pheniramine,doxylamine, chlorophenoxamine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine,promethazine, ebastine, desloratidine and meclozine, optionally in theform of the racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers thereof and optionallyin the form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts,solvates or hydrates thereof. According to the invention the acidaddition salts of the betamimetics are preferably selected from amongthe hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydriodide, hydrosulphate,hydrophosphate, hydromethanesulphonate, hydronitrate, hydromaleate,hydroacetate, hydrocitrate, hydrofumarate, hydrotartrate, hydroxalate,hydrosuccinate, hydrobenzoate and hydro-p-toluenesulphonate.

It is also possible to use inhalable macromolecules, as disclosed inEuropean Patent Application EP 1 003 478 A1 or Canadian PatentApplication CA 2297174 A1.

In addition, the compounds may come from the groups of ergot alkaloidderivatives, the triptans, the CGRP-inhibitors, the phosphodiesterase-Vinhibitors, optionally in the form of the racemates, enantiomers ordiastereomers thereof, optionally in the form of the pharmacologicallyacceptable acid addition salts, the solvates and/or hydrates thereof.

Examples of ergot alkaloid derivatives are dihydroergotamine andergotamine.

What is claimed is:
 1. Atomizer for delivering a formulation from areservoir having a plurality of receptacles disposed in an annulararrangement, each containing a dose of the formulation, the atomizercomprising: a delivery device for delivering the formulation from thereceptacles, an energy store which surrounds the delivery device, anend-piece or mouthpiece for delivering the formulation as an aerosol toa user, and a manually movable cover associated with the end-piece ormouthpiece, wherein in a closed state of the cover said cover covers themouthpiece or end-piece and in an opened state of the cover themouthpiece or end-piece is freely accessible, wherein the atomizercomprises the following features: the cover is coupled to the energystore such that, by at least one of opening and closing of the coverenergy is generated and stored in the energy store so that a deliverymedium can be put under pressure by the energy store, wherein theatomizer is constructed so that the pressure in the energy store isreleased in order to deliver the formulation by means of the deliverymedium, and wherein the energy store is arranged inside of the annulararrangement of receptacles.
 2. Atomizer according to claim 1, whereinthe energy store is a spring store, and wherein the atomizer isconstructed so that the spring store is put under tension for storing ofenergy.
 3. Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer isconstructed so that the formulation can be delivered and atomized bymeans of a delivery medium being at least one of taken in and put underpressure.
 4. Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer isconstructed so that, by opening or closing the cover, a transportingdevice is actuated that causes the reservoir to be advanced by onereceptacle.
 5. Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer isconstructed so that, by opening the cover, a connecting device isactuated in order to at least one of connect the next receptacle to thedelivery device for atomization of the respective dose and open thereceptacle.
 6. Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer isconstructed so that the cover is movable at least one of transversallyto a direction of delivery of the end-piece or mouthpiece, tangentiallyto a housing and along a periphery of the atomizer.
 7. Atomizeraccording to claim 1, wherein the cover extends substantiallyperipherally along a circumferential section of the atomizer. 8.Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the delivery device comprises orforms a pump.
 9. Atomizer according to claim 8, wherein the pump is anair pump.
 10. Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the delivery devicecomprises a bellows for conveying the delivery medium.
 11. Atomizeraccording to claim 1, wherein the atomizer comprises a transportingdevice for stepwise advancing of the reservoir to empty the receptaclesone after another so as to atomize the respective dose.
 12. Atomizeraccording to claim 11, wherein the reservoir has teeth in which thetransporting device engages for moving or rotating of the reservoir inorder to advance the receptacles.
 13. Atomizer according to claim 1,wherein the reservoir is constructed as a rigid ring.
 14. Atomizeraccording to claim 1, wherein the end-piece or mouthpiece for deliveringthe formulation is at least one of fixed and radially directed. 15.Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer has a flatdisc-shaped construction.
 16. Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein theatomizer has a central axially pressable actuating element fortriggering a delivery of a dose of the formulation.
 17. Atomizeraccording to claim 1, wherein the atomizer has a counter for indicatingone of the doses already dispensed and those still available. 18.Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer has a clock devicefor providing a reminder to use the atomizer.
 19. Atomizer according toclaim 1, wherein the atomizer is constructed as a portable inhaler formedicinal aerosol therapy.
 20. Atomizer according to claim 1, furthercomprising a housing, wherein the energy store is arranged in the centerof the housing.
 21. Atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the deliverymedium is air.
 22. Atomizer for delivering a formulation from areservoir having a plurality of annularly arranged receptacles, each ofwhich contains a dose of the formulation, the atomizer comprising: adelivery device having a pump and an energy store for delivering theformulation from the receptacles, an end-piece or mouthpiece fordelivering the formulation as an aerosol to a user, and a manuallymovable cover associated with the end-piece or mouthpiece, wherein in aclosed state of the cover said cover covers the end-piece or mouthpieceand in an opened state of the cover the end-piece or mouthpiece isfreely accessible for delivering the formulation, wherein the atomizercomprises the following features: the cover is coupled to an energystore such that, by at least one of opening and closing of the coverenergy is generated and stored in the energy store so that a deliverymedium can be put under pressure by the energy store, and a connectingdevice to connect a next receptacle to the delivery device, wherein theatomizer is constructed so that the pressure in the energy store isreleased in order to deliver the formulation by means of the deliverymedium, and wherein the delivery device is movable in a radial manner.23. Atomizer according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the deliverydevice and the connecting device is slidable by means of a slidingguide.
 24. Atomizer according to claim 22, wherein the atomizer has adisc-shaped body, and wherein the cover is mounted to move in acircumferential direction along a perimeter of the disc-shaped bodybetween said open state and said closed state.
 25. Atomizer according toclaim 22, the delivery device and connecting device are moveabletogether in a radial manner.
 26. Atomizer according to claim 22, whereinthe pump is an air pump.
 27. Atomizer according to claim 22, wherein thedelivery medium is air.